A CASE FOR A NAPKIN- AmericanLatino.com

A CASE FOR A NAPKIN

Empanada_Carne_y_Queso_1 If I were to ask you “What is the most important element on a dinner table?” Would you say the meal itself? Would you say the fish, chicken or other protein? Maybe it is the side’s pasta, rice or veggies. Is it the creativity of the cook and the plating of the dish?Speaking of plating, a dish wouldn’t be complete without the circular disc of porcelain which serves as a serving vessel. Empanade_de_Carne_2

In this case I say it is the napkin. Napkin? What? A NAPKIN!? Yes, a simple napkin.

All across the globe people have had the proverbial light over the head, great idea, and change mankind sort of idea over dinner or drinks. Where have these business and life changing ideas been planned out? You guessed it – on a napkin. Today many entrepreneurs are taking their ideas of “I can make it better” to a napkin and changing the culinary scene. I myself have had that “A HA!” moment and have planned out a business model on a napkin (much to the chagrin of the owner because they were fine linen napkins and I was using a felt tip pen – but that is another story). I present to you an energetic individual known throughout New Jersey as the Empanada Man.

The idea for selling his highly addictive and flavorful empanadas came after a luncheon with his boss who told him that he would be able to sell his product and make a name for himself. A plan, a recipe and the enduring drive of a bigger picture and the alter ego of the Empanada Man was born. His first orders – delis in the immediate area – let him know that he had hit the nail on the head. With a cell phone and a van The Empanada Man has built a business that is delighting the taste buds of diners everywhere.

As with other entrepreneurs he has a vision, something bigger than just selling empanadas. He wants to change the way people see a simple empanada and make them see the possibilities of the most flavorful kind. With flavors like chicken tequila, chorizo, apples and shrimp and rice it is easy to see why he has a vision of empanadas competing with hot dogs and hamburgers for the “top Empanadas_3 spot”. With plans to expand his product line to supermarkets and restaurants across the nation The Empanada Man is not only a shining example of the American Dream but a great example of a Latino who is working hard every day and giving his energy to something that is just bigger than himself.

I must say that bringing a product to market is not an easy thing. The we can fix the world in 30 minutes of sitcom and entertainment television does not even begin to chip the surface of how difficult an undertaking this is. I myself have had to jump through hoops to make a dream a reality. ”So why go through all the bother” you might ask? Why work for 14, 15, 18 hour days? Why insist on selling a product and not see a profit immediately? Why keep knocking on doors?

In order to answer I will say this – wait until that moment, that precise moment when you say “I can do this better” “I can (insert your inspirational AHA! moment here [X]) and reach for a napkin – they are waiting.
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john_capellan_thumb John Capellan is the owner of www.sugarsaltlime.com a company devoted to bringing “Products for a gourmet lifestyle” to the masses as well as co-owner of www.tisojewelrydesigns.com “Enhancing your inner Beauty” has owned managed and consulted for Retail, Customer Service and the Restaurant Industry. Has a passion for cooking, the business world and entertaining for family and friends.